Rome, 24 July 2018 – In the presence of the Italian Army Chief of Staff, Lt.Gen. Salvatore Farina, and of the Land Armaments Director, Lt.Gen. Francesco Castrataro, a contract for the first tranche of ten Centauro II Vehicles, named “New Blindo Centauro” by the Italian Army, has been signed by the Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) senior management at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of Defence and of the National Armaments Directorate.

Equipped with a new power pack delivering over 700 hp and with H-drive architecture, a hallmark of the 8×8 Centauro range, Centauro II features an entirely digital system and a new generation turret mounting with a 120/45 mm gun.

The result is a new concept of wheeled armored vehicle capable of operating in any scenario: from national security missions, to peace-keeping and support operations including all interventions involving the Italian Armed Forces.

The CIO contract, including vehicles, equipment and logistics, is worth 159 million euros.